#hynobius

Ishizuchi Salamander (Hynobius hirosei), family Hynobiidae, found in steep, high elevation streams on Shikoku Island, Japan

Something Exciting Developing at the Sedgewick County Zoo: Imperiled Salamanders!!!

The Tokyo Salamander (Hynobius tokyoensis) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations declining in the wild. Native to Japan, this primitive amphibian prefers temperate forests near rice paddies, streams, and ditches - places it depends on for breeding. Rather than laying individual eggs like many salamanders, Tokyo salamanders produce a single elongated egg sac, where dozens of eggs develop together inside a protective, jelly-like tube. It’s one of their most distinctive traits, and we are currently fortunate enough to be observing this process here at Sedgwick County Zoo. As the embryos grow, they’ll hatch into aquatic larvae with external gills. Over time, they’ll undergo metamorphosis, losing their gills and transitioning to life on land, returning to water primarily for feeding and reproduction. While this species is not on exhibit, three of the five total Tokyo salamanders in AZA care live here behind the scenes, helping sustain the population of this species. Follow along as these eggs develop! We will be working to share updates as they grow.

via: Sedgwick County Zoo

Yiwu Salamander (Hynobius yiwuensis), male, family Hynobiidae, found in central and eastern Zhejiang, China

Japanese Evergreen Stream Salamander (Hynobius fossigenus), male, family Hynobiidae, found only in Kantō and Chūbu districts in Japan

Specifically found in streams surrounded by evergreen trees

Taiwan Salamander (Hynobius formosanus), family Hynobiidae, Otaru, Taiwan

ENDANGERED.

Japanese Evergreen Stream Salamander (Hynobius fossigenus), male, family Hynobiidae, found only in Kantō and Chūbu districts in Japan

Specifically found in streams surrounded by evergreen trees